Prince of Music - Choral Works by G.P. da Palestrina

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Location:

Church of Saint Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson Street, New York, NY

The Choir of St. Luke in the Fields, under the direction of David Shuler, with an ensemble of period instruments, presents Prince of Music - Choral Works by G.P. da Palestrina on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Church of Saint Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson Street. There will be a lecture by Dr. Antoni Pizà at 7 p.m.

Today, Palestrina is perhaps the best known composer of the Renaissance period. Likewise, during his lifetime he was the one of the most famous musicians of the day. After his death, Palestrina was laid to rest in one of the side chapels of St. Peter's, the plaque on his coffin bearing the inscription, “Prince of Music.” The program will explore the various facets of his genius and will include his Missa Confitebor tibi Domine, a brilliant work sumptuously scored for double choir, along with motets, hymns and canticles.

The Choir of Saint Luke in the Fields is a professional ensemble made up of some of New York City's finest singers, directed by David Shuler. As part of the liturgy at St. Luke’s Church, the Choir regularly performs masses and motets that date from the fifteenth century to the present. The Choir is noted for its performances of early music, and in particular for bringing works to New York City audiences that that have not been heard here before. The Choir has presented the first New York performance of CPE Bach’s recently rediscovered St. Matthew Passion of 1769, the first North American performance of Telemann’s St. Matthew Passion of 1746 and St. Luke Passion of 1748, the first New York performance of Johann Theile’s St. Matthew Passion of 1763, and the first North American performance of Gregorio Allegri’s Missa Christus resurgens.

The most recent recording by Saint Luke's Choir is O Magnum Mysterium: Christmas in Iberia, featuring Tomás Luis de Victoria’s Missa O magnum mysterium. The singing of the Choir of St. Luke in the Fields was featured in an ABC news special, Secrets of the Sistine – Michelangelo’s Mystery, which first aired in May 2008.

Tickets for the concert are $35, and $25 for students and senior citizens.